At the table
Lift a small roll with chopsticks or a fork, separating rolls that cling together. Let it cool before eating; sauce inside a roll may stay hot. Try a little sauce first and chew the dough well.
Made with oat flour. Check the complete flour blend, sauce, topping and cooking fat for allergies or dietary restrictions. A mutton topping or meat broth makes the serving unsuitable for vegetarians. Freshly steamed rolls and sauce may be hot, and the dough may need careful chewing.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Tomato sauce and mutton are alternative toppings.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Oat flavor; topping determines seasoning.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Coarse-textured, tender rolls.
- How it’s made
- Make a hot-water dough, push into thin sheets, roll and steam.
Tomato sauce and mutton are alternative toppings.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Shanxi.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有莜面栲栳栳吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Oat dough standing in rows
In Shanxi, youmian kaolaolao turns hot-water oat dough into an upright cluster of open rolls. A small piece is pushed into a thin sheet with the base of the palm, curled with the fingers, and stood beside the next roll for steaming. The grainy walls are the part you eat; the open centers leave room for sauce. Tomato sauce and mutton are alternative accompaniments, so ask what comes with the rolls before choosing a serving.